Boston emerges as Korean firms’ R&D hub for AI, batteries
Samsung SDI opens its first US R&D center in Boston; Hyundai Motor also plans to set up AI research center there
By Aug 16, 2022 (Gmt+09:00)
LG Chem to sell water filter business to Glenwood PE for $692 million


KT&G eyes overseas M&A after rejecting activist fund's offer


Kyobo Life poised to buy Japan’s SBI Group-owned savings bank


StockX in merger talks with Naver’s online reseller Kream


Meritz backs half of ex-manager’s $210 mn hedge fund



Top South Korean conglomerates Samsung and Hyundai have selected Boston as the home of their first overseas research centers for batteries and artificial intelligence (AI) to take advantage of the research infrastructure and top talent available there.
Its Boston-based research center, dubbed SDI R&D America (SDIRA), will conduct joint research with top universities, other research centers and startups in the area, Samsung said in a statement.
The location would also pave the way to build up its R&D infrastructure and recruit top global talent.
The announcement comes shortly after Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group unveiled a plan to set up an AI research center in the Boston area to develop AI-driven robotics technologies.
With manufacturers shifting their focus to software technology such as AI and autonomous driving, Korean manufacturers are setting up overseas R&D hubs in areas with good access to advanced research centers and top talent.
To attract the most talented employees, they are trying to adopt a flexible and creative work environment, shedding their decades-long rigid corporate culture.
Next year, Samsung SDI also plans to establish a research center in China as part of its efforts to develop next-generation battery technologies tailored to regional demand.
The site would become its third overseas research center. China boasts the world’s largest number of battery-related colleges, research institutes and companies.
Last year, Samsung SDI spent 877.6 billion won ($670 million) on R&D expenditures, its largest-ever R&D spending.
Write to Il-Gyu Kim at black0419@hankyung.com
Yeonhee Kim edited this article
-
AutomobilesHyundai to set up AI robotics R&D center near Boston
Aug 12, 2022 (Gmt+09:00)
1 Min read -
BatteriesSamsung SDI in talks with multiple carmakers for 4680 type battery supply
Jul 29, 2022 (Gmt+09:00)
4 Min read -
BatteriesSamsung SDI to develop cylindrical batteries for Tesla, other EV makers
Jun 16, 2022 (Gmt+09:00)
3 Min read -
BatteriesSamsung SDI in talks with global automaker for battery joint venture
Jan 28, 2022 (Gmt+09:00)
2 Min read